Lamar Jackson was recently a guest on the “Cold as Balls” podcast hosted by Kevin Hart, where he discussed what he really believes is the hardest part of his NFL life. The starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens revealed that “just being a leader” has forced him out of his comfort zone:
“I’m not outspoken, being vocal with my guys, like ‘let’s do this and that’ with a great motivational speech. I don’t have that,” Jackson explained. “I just pretty much lead by example. I’m going to go out there. I’m going to work hard, and I expect that out of you, but as I’ve been growing in the league, it’s like ‘nah, you got to talk to the guys.’”
Lamar Jackson has been vocal about driving the Ravens to their first Super Bowl since 2013. As the team prepares for another “Super Bowl or bust” season, Jackson is working to improve the team camaraderie and provide his teammates with his personal time on and off the field.
GettyLamar Jackson has two MVP awards, but his leadership has been a critique of his career.
What is Lamar Jackson Like as a Teammate?
The Ravens have been on the cusp of making the Super Bowl for years now. Everyone wants to know how the Ravens will finally get over the post-season hump. Jackson shared with ESPN that part of his approach to bring the Ravens from contenders to champions is tied to something as simple as team bonding.
“I feel like just bonding with my guys will help us out a lot more on the field,” Jackson said. “Picking each other’s brains, being around each other a lot more. We’ll probably know what one of us is thinking ahead…I don’t have to say too much. I have DeAndre Hopkins now and Rashod Bateman. They already know what I’m thinking without me saying too much. That [comes from] bonding off the field. That’s why I want to get my guys together for small things like that.”
Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin shared his own insight on Lamar’s progression as a leader. He specifically highlighted how Jackson’s verbal and nonverbal communication has grown in the locker room, but also with the coaching staff.
“You see maturity there in terms of what he sees on the field and things that he wants to do offensively,” Martin said. “He’s having more input back to us as coaches. Like, ‘I see this. I would like to do this more or less.’”
GettyA hands-on approach could be what finally gets the Ravens past the Chiefs and Bills in the AFC.
When Will Lamar Jackson Win a Super Bowl?
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh spoke with Clifton Brown of BaltimoreRavens.com back in 2024 about the vision the entire team has for Lamar Jackson. The Ravens built a new offense specifically for Lamar in 2019. They have praised his work ethic and talent, but the lack of Super Bowl victories remains a constant criticism against him:
“We take it personally,” Harbaugh said. “All his life, Lamar Jackson has been a guy who’s been answering those same questions – I’m talking about since he was a kid. Junior high, high school, college, the draft, the success he’s had in the National Football League, and it still comes up.
“He’s still growing. He’s going to get better and better, no doubt,” Harbaugh continued. “We’ve always had a vision for Lamar Jackson. It started with Lamar’s vision and his mom’s vision when he said he was going to be our quarterback.”
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